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Community Corner

Lexington Youth Summer Theatre Performs West Side Story

West Side Story tells the tale of two young lovers, Tony and Maria, from rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks.  Set in New York City, West Side Story is a modern-day classic that remains timely as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.  Featuring a full orchestra and a large cast, the lyrics of Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim soar through the electrifying score by Leonard Bernstein.
 Sporting a large cast of 37 of the area’s most talented youth, LYST, a charitable 501 (c) (3) organization, has been entertaining and delighting audiences for decades and has become a much loved family cooperative summer theater tradition for the entire community.  Children in grades 4-12 rehearse almost every day for six weeks, as well as host a car wash and other activities to raise money; parents of the cast volunteer countless hours for the production. A significant portion of the proceeds from LYST go to children’s charities selected by the cast and since founding in 1980, LYST has given more than $50,000 to local charities. While the kids are learning theatre and music skills during their five-night-a-week rehearsals, LYST parents are orchestrating all of the behind-the-scenes activities, from set and costume design to fundraising, ticket sales, photography, backstage logistics, publicity, and more. For over 34 years, the theatre company’s strong sense of community and giving back to charity has fostered a cadre of dedicated families who come back year after year while also welcoming many newcomers from communities around Boston.
 LYST is also excited to announce the launch of LYST Advanced Theatre Workshop.  The inaugural show features six members of the cast performing Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown. 
Both shows are under the outstanding direction of Mark Mercer, returning for his fourth year with LYST as artistic director, music director and conductor.  Mark is the director of vocal studies at Andover High where he conducts choirs that have won many awards and mentions both locally and nationally. LYST welcomes Darvin Hernandez as both assistant director and choreographer. Darvin has choreographed many nationally-acclaimed show choirs on the east coast and is currently the on-staff choreographer for the Andover High School Vocal Music Program and the Suffolk University Show Choir.
LYST’s production of West Side Story will be held at Lexington
High School, 251 Waltham St, Lexington, MA, on July 17, 18, and 19th at 7:30 p.m. and on July 20th at 2 p.m. (Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door). Songs for A New World will be performed at Lexington High School on July 19th at 2 p.m.  (Tickets are
$10).  Tickets can be purchased in advance at Michelson’s Shoes and Catch a Falling Star.




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